When to plant Watermelon and cantaloupe in Nebraska
In spring, from May 1 – June 15 in Beatrice to June 1 – 15 in Scottsbluff.
In fall, from May 15 – June 1 in Norfolk to June 15 – July 20 in Papillion.
Cantaloupe (muskmelon) dates are the same as watermelon except where the table notes them.
USDA's earliest safe spring and latest safe fall planting dates, matched to each place's average frost dates.
| Place | Spring | Fall |
|---|---|---|
| Beatrice | May 1 – June 15 | June 1 – 15 |
| Bellevue | May 1 – June 15 | June 15 – July 20 |
| Columbus | May 1 – June 15 | June 1 – 15 |
| Fremont | May 1 – June 15 | June 1 – 15 |
| Grand Island | May 1 – June 15 | June 1 – 15 |
| Hastings | May 1 – June 15 | June 15 – July 20 |
| Kearney | May 15 – June 15 | June 1 – 15 |
| La Vista | May 1 – June 15 | June 15 – July 20 |
| Lexington | May 15 – June 15 | June 1 – 15 |
| Lincoln | May 1 – June 15 | June 1 – 15 |
| Norfolk | May 15 – June 15 | May 15 – June 1 |
| North Platte | June 1 – 15 | May 15 – June 1 |
| Omaha | May 1 – June 15 | June 15 – July 20 |
| Papillion | May 1 – June 15 | June 15 – July 20 |
| Scottsbluff | June 1 – 15 | May 15 – June 1 |
| South Sioux City | May 15 – June 15 | June 1 – 15 |
Planting dates: USDA Home and Garden Bulletin No. 9 (1967), tables 4 and 5. Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020. The full USDA table for watermelon.